Eight were announced last week and the remaining eight were selected on Sunday (22 August), while Somizi made his
Shekhina - she has a unique sound and she stuck it through in the competition.
Brenda Fassie - she made timeless music and was the true definition of what a performer should be.
Zoë Modiga - her music is what helped me through some of the darkest times in my life.
I love Lloyd and Elvis Blue because they are still pursuing their singing after all these years.
Wow, there a so many, but I’d have to say living - Kelly Clarkson and late - Elvis Presley
“My father passed when I was 17”; “I have been divorced”; “I don’t like Jazz music”.
Musa Sukwene because he’s managed to stay relevant after all these years. I also love how he won Season 9 by simply being himself.
When I perform, I’m able to make any song I sing my own. In addition to being a vocalist, I’m also a drummer.
Jacob Collier because I think he could teach me a lot and I’d hope that some of his creative energy rubs off on me.
"I have a weird imaginary world in my mind where my creativity lives and that’s where my unique singing and instrument playing come from.”; “When it comes to my music and vocals, I am a perfectionist!”; “I have royal blood.”
Paxton. Seeing her growth since her title win has been truly inspiring and refreshing. She works hard to stay relevant.
Josh Groban. I’ve been a huge fan for as long as I can remember. I’ve always wanted to share a stage with him.
Anathi Conjwa (Ithana)
DOB: 28 July 1998 (23)
From: Cala, Eastern Cape
Which former Idols contestant inspires you most? Thami (may he R.I.P) - his performances were always so honest and powerful.
What artistic quality do you love most in yourself? The tone of my voice.
My favourite South African music icon is… Thandiswa Mazwai! She is iconic.
If you could have an EPIC collab with any celeb living or late, who would it be and why? Thandiswa Mazwai. I’ve looked up to her for so many years.
Tell us two truths and a lie… “I am Xhosa”; “I don’t like food”; “I have never entered a pageant”.
Karabo Mathe
DOB: 12 March 1999 (22)
Hometown: Hebron, North-West
Which former Idols contestant inspires you most? Khaya Mthethwa because he not only managed to win but also started a thriving gospel career afterwards.
What artistic quality do you love most in yourself? I have a genuine love and appreciation for music.
My favourite South African music icon is... Mbongeni Ngema because I admire his love and passion for music and art.
If you could have an EPIC collab with any celeb living or late, who would it be and why? Ntokozo Mbambo. I love her voice and choice of genre.
Two truths and a lie... “I love new and challenging environments”; “I love Gospel music”; “I like short skirts”.
Kevin Maduna
DOB: 17 June 1992 (29)
From: Soweto
Which former Idols contestant inspires you most? Mmatema! I really admired her resilience and how hard she worked.
What artistic quality do you love most in yourself? I love my voice and how unique it is.
My favourite South African music icon is... Black Coffee. I admire his consistency and work ethic!
If you could have an EPIC collab with any celeb living or late, who would it be and why? Have to go with Black Coffee again. He is an amazing musician and he’s created an amazing repertoire of hits for himself.
Two truths and a lie... “I am a part-time teacher”; “I studied music”; “I am one of 6 kids”.
Patience Tiisetso Makhene (Misty)
DOB: 13 January 1991 (30)
From: Vosloorus
Which former Idols contestant inspires most? Karabo Mogane. He remained true to himself throughout the competition and he didn’t imitate anyone.
What artistic quality do you love most in yourself? I’m an authentic performer and I never pretend to be something I’m not.
My favourite South African music icon is... Bucie. Her confidence is contagious and she sings with so much feeling in every song she does.
If you could have an EPIC collab with any celeb living or late, who would it be and why? Boohle. I come from the same area as her and it’s been lovely watching her grow into the amazing artist she’s becoming.
Two truths and a lie... “I love a nice burger with tomato and lettuce”; “I love make-up and gorgeous nails” ; “I love interacting with people and I’m outspoken and confident”.
Monique Erens
DOB: 21 March 1996 (25)
From: Cape Town
Which former Idols contestant inspires you most? Amanda Black. She is hardworking and very passionate about music. She also stands firmly in what she believes, which I admire.
What artistic quality do you love most in yourself? I’m creative and very confident in my own vocal abilities.
My favourite South African music icon is... Elaine. She’s a great songwriter and she’s always fired up!
If you could have an EPIC collab with any celeb living or late, who would it be and why? Whitney Houston. The earlier era of her career is my favourite and she was an amazing performer.
Two truths and a lie... “I value family time”; “I love raisins”; “I am a Sunday School teacher”.
Nqobisile Linda (Nqobie)
DOB: 30 September 1992 (28)
From: Soweto
Which former Idols contestant inspires you most? Khaya Mthethwa - it looks and sounds like he keeps allowing God to use him as a vessel.
What artistic quality do you love most in yourself? The tone of my voice
My favourite South African music icon is… Mam’ Letta Mbulu - her music is for the “people”.
If you could have an EPIC collab with any celeb living or late, who would it be and why? Sun El Musician and Simmy - I love the type of music that they make.
Two truths and a lie… “I am lesbian”; “I love music”; “I am afraid of heights”.
S’thuthukile Babalwa Langa (S’22kile)
DOB: 17 August 2000 (21)
From: Pietermaritzburg
Which former Idols contestant inspires you most? Zama - she’s a powerhouse and believes in herself.
What artistic quality do you love most in yourself? I’m a confident artist.
My favourite South African music icon is… Sjava. I find his music to be inspiring.
If you could have an EPIC collab with any celeb living or late, who would it be and why? Sjava. I love his music, it’s so soulful!
Tell us two truths and a lie… “I love grapes”; “My little sister is my best friend”; “I’m 16 years old”.
Siyabonga Mzizi (Sia)
DOB: 23 November 2000 (20)
From: Tsakane
Which former Idols contestant inspires you most? Definitely has to be Loyiso Gijana because he entered Idols as a very young age but he still inspired with his beautiful voice.
What artistic quality do you love most in yourself? I really love the tone of my voice.
My favourite South African music icon is... Busi Mhlongo because she is true to her artistry! She heals.
If you could have an EPIC collab with any celeb living or late, who would it be and why? Oscar Mbo. I love how much attention he pays to even the smallest details in the music.
Two truths and a lie... “I am profusely shy”; “I love performing”; “I hate people”.
Sinovuyo Nomava Mbhele
DOB: 5 November 2000 (20)
From: Vosloorus, but originally, I’m from Mzimkhulu.
Which former Idols contestant inspires you most? Zama Khumalo - I think she’s so amazing and unique.
What artistic quality do you love most in yourself? My personality and confidence. I’m a go-getter!
My favourite South African music icon is… Kelly Khumalo. Her personality and voice are larger than life.
If you could have an EPIC collab with any celeb living or late, who would it be and why? Beyoncé because she inspires me to be the boss queen that she is.
Two truths and a lie… “I love my hands over any other body part”; “I don’t get angry”; “I laugh hysterically in serious situations”.
Siya
DOB: 9 November 1999 (21)
From: Katlehong
Which former Idols contestant inspires most? Brandon from Season 16 because he was resilient throughout the competition!
What artistic quality do you love most in yourself? I’d like to think I’m an artistic person in all forms and I love that.
My favourite South African music icon is... Sibongile Khumalo. She’s my favourite because I love the way she has ventured into the music space in her career.
If you could have an EPIC collab with any celeb living or late, who would it be and why? My “EPIC” collab would be with Sun El-Musician. His musicianship is stunning!
Two truths and a lie... “I’m very shy”; “I love caramel”; “Everyone’s happy whenever I’m around”.
Tesmin-Robyn Khanye
DOB: 10 February 1998 (23)
From: Katlehong
Which former Idols contestant inspires you most? Succedor. His vibrant energy on stage is exhilarating. It’s the type of energy I’m working towards adopting.
What artistic quality do you love most in yourself? My songwriting ability as well as my ability to adapt to a variety of genres.
My favourite South African music icon is… Brenda Fassie - she had very vibrant energy on stage, unique voice and a whole lot of confidence. She always managed to be herself.
If you could have an EPIC collab with any celeb living or late, who would it be and why? Ari Lennox - her voice is amazing! She’s an amazing vocalist and has been working really hard for years. Her consistency is something I admire.
Two truths and a lie… “I am the eldest of 3 siblings”; “I wholeheartedly love chocolate”; “I hate any kind of sporting activity”.
Zukisa Joshua Mashiqa (Zukisa M)
DOB: 6 April 2004 (17)
Hometown: Pietermaritzburg, KZN.
Which former Idols contestant inspires you most? Yanga - she was young and ambitious.
What artistic quality do you love most in yourself? The uniqueness of my voice
My favourite South African music icon is… Ntokozo Mbambo - she’s such a powerhouse!
If you could have an EPIC collab with any celeb living or late, who would it be and why? Manana - I think we’d make a great duo.
Two truths and a lie… “I am a male”; “I’m 21 years old”; “I made it to Theatre Week”.